Smith had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulldogs (12-9, 6-3 Horizon), who won their third in a row. Ronald Nored had game highs of 16 points and nine assists, and Khyle Marshall scored 14 points.

Walt Gibler and Joe Crisman led the Ramblers with 14 points apiece. Crisman tied his season high for the Ramblers (5-14, 0-9), who are off to their worst Horizon League start in school history and have failed to reach 70 points in their last 24 games.

Butler led 25-23 at halftime before Loyola’s Jonathon Gac tied it at 28 with 17:25 left.

But the Bulldogs took the lead for good with a 7-1 run. Chrishawn Hopkins scored, Chase Stigall hit a 3-pointer and Kameron Woods tipped one in for a 35-29 edge with 11:56 left.